Banfield are joint third with Argentinos Juniors, away to Rosario Central on Thursday, on 22 points.

DRY RIVER

Struggling giants River Plate lost 1-0 at home to Newell's Old Boys who scored from a lucky rebound six minutes into the second half through Paraguayan Jorge Achucarro, who was falling over as he lobbed keeper Daniel Vega.

River have lost their last four matches without scoring. They have the third worst attack in the division with eight goals in 13 games.

Former Argentine forward Ariel Ortega was brought back into the team by coach Leo Astrada after a long absence due to the veteran player's drinking problems and he was one of the better players on the pitch.

However, the River faithful in the stands were baying for the players' blood as they walked off heads bowed at the end, some palming their hearts demanding the players show more passion and fight.

Tigre striker Carlos Luna scored twice in their 3-1 win over bottom team Atletico Tucuman on Tuesday to join Mauro Boselli of Estudiantes at the top of the scoring chart with nine. Gimnasia's Perez is next with seven.